David sought God as to whether he should go up to Judah. The Lord told him to go to Hebron. He, his two wives, and all his men went with him. The men of Judah came and anointed David king over the house of Judah. He commended the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead for taking care … Continue reading David and Ishbosheth: Competing Kings (2 Samuel 2:1 – 11)
The Song of the Bow (2 Samuel 1:17 – 27)
David wrote a song to lament Saul and Jonathan and taught all the children of Judah. 2 Samuel 1:19–27 (NKJV) 19 “The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20 Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon— Lest the daughters of the … Continue reading The Song of the Bow (2 Samuel 1:17 – 27)
Saul’s Tragic End (1 Samuel 31, I Chronicles 10:1 – 14, 2 Samuel 1:1-16)
As the Philistines fought against Israel, they began to prevail, and Israel was slain on Mount Gilboa. They began to concentrate their efforts on capturing Saul, and killed three of his sons. They hit Saul with arrows, and he ordered his armorbearer to thrust him through with his sword, so the Philistines would not abuse … Continue reading Saul’s Tragic End (1 Samuel 31, I Chronicles 10:1 – 14, 2 Samuel 1:1-16)
David’s Army Grows (1 Chronicles 12)
This passage comes chronologically after passages from 1 Samuel (22, 27, 29) and 2 Samuel (4:12). David had men from many different groups join him at Ziklag while he was in hiding from Saul. Some Benjamiites who used slings and bows ambidextrously, some Gadites who could handle spear and shield, and had faces of lions, … Continue reading David’s Army Grows (1 Chronicles 12)
David Rejected by the Philistines; Conflict with Amalekites (1 Samuel29-30)
As the Philistines passed in review prior to attacking Israel, David and his men were in array with Achish. The Lords of the Philistines asked why the Hebrews were among their ranks. Achish reminded them of David's loyalty and his ability. However, the other leaders were angry with Achish, and refused to allow David to … Continue reading David Rejected by the Philistines; Conflict with Amalekites (1 Samuel29-30)
David Changes Sides (Sort of) and Saul Consults the Other Side (Sort of) (1 Samuel 27-28)
David felt that there was no hope to avoid the attacks and eventual death at the hands of Saul. He decided to take his 600 men and go to the Philistines at Gath. Achish gave David the city of Ziklag. David dwelt among the Philistines for one year and four months. During his time there, … Continue reading David Changes Sides (Sort of) and Saul Consults the Other Side (Sort of) (1 Samuel 27-28)
David and Nabal; David and Abigail; David and Saul (1 Samuel 25:2 – 26:25)
Today's reading includes two very long passages. Let me give you the short version of the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail. Nabal and Abigail were married and Nabal was a harsh man, while Abigail was a good and beautiful woman. David's men were looking for food for which to eat on a feast day. … Continue reading David and Nabal; David and Abigail; David and Saul (1 Samuel 25:2 – 26:25)
David Spares Saul; Samuel Dies (1 Samuel 24:1 – 25:1)
When Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he heard that David was in the wilderness of En Gedi. He took men to hunt for him at the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Saul went into a cave to go to the restroom, and David and his men were deep in the cave. David's men saw … Continue reading David Spares Saul; Samuel Dies (1 Samuel 24:1 – 25:1)
David’s Strongholds (1 Samuel 23:14 – 29)
David hid from Saul's pursuit in strongholds in the Wilderness of Ziph. Jonathan went to David in the woods, and they made a covenant. Men sent word to Saul that David was in Ziph, and he began to pursue him. He moved to the Wilderness of Maon, and Saul followed him there. Saul went on … Continue reading David’s Strongholds (1 Samuel 23:14 – 29)
Saul Murders and David Saves (1 Samuel 22:6 – 23:13)
Saul found out that David had fled, and offered goods and power to anyone who would reveal where David was. Doeg the Edomite said that he saw Ahimelech give David supplies and a sword. The king called Ahimelech, the priest, and accused him of helping his enemy, David. Ahimelech stood for David's innocence and loyalty … Continue reading Saul Murders and David Saves (1 Samuel 22:6 – 23:13)
Devoted To You 